Automatic apparatus for injecting curing liquid into hog bellies and the like



July 14, 1953 Filed Sept. 27, 1951 N. J. ALLBRIGHT ETAL- AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR INJECTING CURING LIQUID INTO HOG BELLIES AND THE LIKE 7 Sheets-Sheet l NORMAN J. ALLak/e r RALPH W. [LLSLEY g BERT/E 8. HARM/V670 y 1953 N. J. ALLBRIGHT ET AL 2,645,172

AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR INJECTING CURING LIQUID INTO HOG BELLIES AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 27, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 NORM/1H J ALLBR/G/IT RALPH jususl 2 BERT/E HAkk/NGTON N. J. ALLBRIGHT ET AL 2,645,172 AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR INJECTING CURING July 14, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept 27, 1951 MmMA RALPH BER 7/5 July 14, 1953 N. J. ALLBRIGHT ET AL 45,172 AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR INJECTING CURING LIQUID INTO HOG BELLIES AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 27 1951 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 I, I i

I g DER TIE T 0 I w W auna J. ALLBRIGHT ALLBRIGHT ET AL AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR INJECTING CURING July 14, 1953 N. J.

LIQUID INTO HOG BELLIES AND THE LIKE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 27, 1951 BER Ne HA x R we ro/v M Mai? July 14, 1953 N. J. ALLBRIGHT ET AL 2,645,172

AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR INJECTING CURING LIQUID INTO HOG BELLIES AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 27, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 m J. ALLBR/Gl/T ALPA/ Mllusur 2 5T #ARI/NTU/V July 14, 1953 N. J. ALLBRIGHT ET AL 2,645,172 AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR INJECTING CURING LIQUID INTO HOG BELLIES AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 27 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 O IZ6 J75 WWW Patented July 14,, 1953 AUTOMATIC. APPARATUS FOR-Y INJECTING CURING. LIQUID i INTO HOG BELLIESL- AND THE LIKE Norman J. Allbright, Ralph W. Illsley and Bertie S". Harrington, Chicago, Ill., assignors' to The 'A-llbright'eNell; Company, Chicago, 11]., av corporation of Illinois;

' Applicationseptemberzl, 1951, Serial No. 248,578

'30 Claims: 1

The. present invention relates generaily'to apparatus for injecting. curingliquid, such as:brine, into hog, bellies and the like. More particularly the invention relates to that type ofbrine injecting, apparatus which is designedprimarilyior-use in a meat packing plant in connection with the production of bacon and as its. principal components or parts comprises: (1') a horizontally elongated frame structure whichis adapted to rest onthe floor of the packing plant andiembodies atthe upperportion thereof means for supporting the bellies to be treated so that'they move lengthwise: thereof, one after the other; (2) a horizontally extending, crosshead which is positionedover and transversely ofthe frame structure, has a longitudinal series of fixed' downwardly extending. spaced apart hollow needles with discharge a per tures at their lower ends; and ismounted so that it is bodily movable down'and up in order to effect insertion ofthe needlesinto thesubj'acent belly and subsequent withdrawal therefrom; (3') mechanism which operates automatically and in timed relation with feed of the bellies underthe' needle carrying crosshead to move-the crosshead down and up; and- (4) automatic mechanism whereby eachtime the needles are'broug-ht into: penetrating relation: with the subj'acent belly. brine is forced under pressure! through theneedles in such belly.

Onev object of' the invention; is" to provide an. apparatus of this type: which is-zanimprovement upon, and, has certain; inherent advantages. oven. previously designed apparatus". for the same: pur pose and is characterizedibyr extremely hi'ghleiiie ciency, a noveliand compact arrangementof parts. and high speed: and: completely automatic: opera;- tion.

Another object of: the invention-slatev providea: brine injecting: apparatus of the.-type.underconn-- sidera-tion in which the hog; bellies tabe; treated: are fedcontinuously, as contradistinguished-from intermittently, under. the needle carrying; crosshead and. the crosshead. ismounted by way of up-- standing arms with pivotal connectionsat-theirupper ends. so that. after it is moved downwards to effectpenetration of. the needlesinto the-sub.- jacent belly it is permittedtomove. along Wl-liha such belly until it. is moved upwards toeffect withdrawal ofv thev needles, from the belly...

Another. object of. the, invention is toprovide a brine injecting apparatusofi the. last-mentioned character in which the upper. ends. of they upstanding arms that carry the crossheadiare. pivotally connected" to the ends of a. horizontally ex.- tending' shaft which extends transversely of. the frame structure and has its central portion connectedto' the upper end of a verticallyextending piston rod of a pneumatically actuated cylinder-- piston unitand has springs between its ends and" the upper'ends of the upstanding arms for automatically retracting the crosshead' to its normal starting position each time it is raised in-connec-' tion with withdrawal of the needles from the" subjacent'belly. Another object of the invention is'to provide a brine injecting apparatusof the aforementioned character in which the crosshead is hollow and the automatic mechanism-whereby-each time the needles are brought into penetrating relationwith the subiacent belly brineis forced under pressure through the needles; comprises piping between the'crossheacl and a source of brine under pressure and a stationary control valve which is included in the piping and is automatically opened each time the aforementioned horizontallyextending shaft is lowered to effect downward movement of the hollow needlecarrying crosshead. I

Another object of the invention is to provide a brine injecting machine of the type and character under considerationin which the mechanism formoving the'needle carrying crosshead down and up comprises, in addition to the'aforementioned pneumatically actuated cylinderpiston unit, a valve which serves alternately tocontrol thesupply and'exhaust of airtoopposite ends of the cylinder of' the unit andhas an actuating member therefor which is so adjustable that, through the medium of' valve actuation, the

length of time in which the hollow needles are in penetrating relation with the subjaoent belly and resultantl'ythe amount of injected brine may be varied desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide-abrineinjecting apparatus of the aforementioned type in which the means for continuously feeding the bellies, one after the other, under the needle carrying crosshead comprises a longitudinal series of horizontal equidistantlyspaced shafts with teeth equipped wheels therecn,. an electric motor and gearing. between. the motor and= certain ends of the shafts.

Another object of theinvention is to provide a brine injecting apparatus of the last mentioned character in which the electric motor for driving the. shafts with the teeth equipped belly supporting wheels thereonw serves also, to drive a cam a brine injecting apparatus of the type under consideration in which the upper ends of the hollow needles have associated with them flow restricting means in the form of reduced ducts which establish communication between the upper ends of the needles and the crosshead interior and serve so to reduce the pressure of the brine in the needles that substantially uniform quantities of the brine are discharged from the needles even though some of the needles penetrate lean portions of the subjacent belly and other needles penetrate fat portions.

A still further object of the invention is to p vide a brine injecting apparatus which is generally of new and improved construction, may be manufactured at a comparatively low cost and effectively and efiiciently fulfills its intended purpose.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present brine injecting apparatus will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the seVera-l novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the con-- clusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views;

Figure 1 is a side view of a brine injecting apparatus embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 and illustrating in detail the construction and manner of mounting of the needle carrying crosshead;

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing the arrangement and location of the valve and valve actuating member of the mechanism for moving the needle carrying crosshead down and up;

Figm'e 4 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 44 of Figure 2 and illustrating in detail the arrangement and location of the pneumatically actuated cylinder-piston unit of the mechanism for moving the crosshead down and up and the stationary valve constituting part of the automatic mechanism whereby each time the needles are brought into penetrating relation with a subjacent belly brine is forced under pressure through the needles;

Figure 5 is an enlarged side elevation of the discharge end portion of the apparatus, showing in detail the electric motor and gearing for driving the shafts with the teeth equipped bacon supporting wheels thereon and also showing the means for adjusting the fulcrum for the lever that constitutes the actuating member for the valve of the mechanism for moving the needle carrying crosshead down and up;

Figure 6 is an enlarged side view of the means for adjusting the valve actuating member;

Figure '7 is an enlarged vertical section of the cylinder-piston unit of the mechanism for moving the needle carrying crosshead down and up and the stationary control valve of the automatic mechanism for effecting flow of brine under pressure through the needles when the latter are in penetrating relation with a subjacent belly;

Figure 8 is a horizontal section taken on the line 88 of Figure 5 and illustrating in detail the construction and arrangement of the valve which serves alternately to control the supply and exhaust of air to opposite ends of the cylinder of the cylinder-piston unit;

Figure 9 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 99 of Figiue 1 and showing in detail the brine storage and supply tank;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view. partly in section and partly in elevation, of the pneumatically operated mechanism for moving the needle carrying crosshead down and up, and the coacting mechanism for causing brine under pressure to fiow through the hollow crosshead and the needles when the needles are in penetrating relation with a subjacent belly; and

Figure 11 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the hollow crosshead, illustratin in detail the manner in which the depending belly penetrating needles are connected to the crosshead.

The apparatus that is illustrated in the drawings constitutes the preferred form or embodiment of the invention. It is designed primarily for use in a packing plant and serves as a medium or instrumentality for injecting a curing liquid. such as brine, into hog bellies b in connection with the production of bacon. As its principal parts the apparatus comprises a frame structure, mechanism for feeding the bellies to be treated,

' one at a time, along the top portion of the frame structure, a hollow horizontally elongated needle carrying crosshead over the central portion of the frame structure, mechanism for automatically moving the crosshead down and up in order successively to effect insertion of the needles into the subjacent belly and subsequent withdrawal therefrom, and mechanism for forcing brine under pressure through the needles and into the subjacent belly each time the crosshead is moved downwards. Generally speaking the apparatus is of unitary character and wholly automatic,

Frame structure The frame structure is horizontally elongated and serves as a support for the other parts of the apparatus. It is adapted to rest on the floor of the packing plant and comprises a pair of horizontally extending, parallel, laterally spaced upper members l5, four vertically extending legs IS, a pair of horizontally extending, parallel, laterally spaced lower members I! and a platform IS. The upper members [5 are in the form of angle bars (see Figure 2) and comprise vertical- 1y extending parts i9 and horizontall extending parts 20. The horizontally extending parts of the upper members 15 are connected to, and project outwards from, the upper margins of the vertically extending parts 9. The legs l6 serve to support the upper members 55 in an elevated position and are suitably crossconnected. The upper ends of the legs are fixedly connected to the ends of the upper members 45 and the lower ends of the legs are provided with fiat floorengaging feet 2|. Preferably the legs 16 are in the form of angle bars. The horizontally extending lower members I! extend between, and have their ends fixedly secured to, the lower portions of the legs IS. The platform I8 is located directly above the horizontally extending lower members I1 and has its corners secured to the lower portions of the legs 16.

In addition to the parts heretofore mentions the frame structure comprises an elongated, trough-like pan 22, an inverted U-shaped bracket 23 and a pair of trays 24.

The pan 22 extends lengthwise of, and is disposed between, the upper members !5 and consists of a fiat bottom wall 25, a pair of side walls 26 and a pair of end walls 21. The bottom wall 25 of the pan 2.2- i-sdown-wa-rdl-y inclined from. the

outwards and then upwards to form upwardly" facing, longitudinally extending shoulders 29. The end walls 21 of the panare connected to, and

extend upwards from, the end margins of the bottom wall 25 and have the. side margins there of joined to the end margins of the side walls. The pan 22 is preferably in. the form of a sheet metal stamping and serves "as a receiver for excess brine.

The inverted U-shaped bracket 23 is disposed. over, and extends transversely of, the central portions of the upper members and. consists of a horizontally extending crosspiece 30 and a pair of side pieces 3L The side pieces serve to support the crosspiece 30 in an elevated position with respect to the upper members 15 of the frame structure and have the upper ends thereof suitably connected to the ends of the crosspieoe. The lower ends of the side pieces 3| are bolted or otherwise fixedly secured to the central portions of the horizontally extending parts of the upper members I5.

The trays 24 are elongated. They are disposed in longitudinal alignment and fit within, and extend lengthwise of, the endportions of the interior of the pan 22. 'Theoside margins of the trays 24 are provided with outwardly extending flanges 32 and these, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, rest loosely on. the upwardly facing shoulders 29 on the central portions of the pan side walls 26 in order that the trays may be readily removed for cleaning purposes. The inner ends of the two trays are spaced apart to provide an opening 33 between the. two trays, as shown in Figure 4.

Belle feeding mechanism 1y or crosswise of the frame structure. They are located directly beneath the trays 2.4 and extend through aligned holes in the side walls 26 of the pan 22 and the vertically extending partsZQ of the upper members [5. The ends of the shafts 34 are journalled in bearings 36 which, as shown in Figure 2, are bolted against the outer faces of the vertically extending parts l9. Each of the shafts 34, with the exception of the shaft that in Figures 1,. 4 and. 5 of. the drawings. It is also contemplated that the bellies will be placed, one at a time, on the upper portions of. the teeth equipped wheels on the shaft that is at the receivingend-of the apparatus. Incon-neotion with drive -of the shafts each belly is fed in a rectilinear course from one set of wheels tothe next. As a result of this the bellies moveor travel one. after the other under the inverted U-shaped bracket '23. .The shaft 34' that is located under the opening 33xbetween the inner ends of the trays is provided with a roller 39. The latter is keyed or otherwise fixedly secured to its shaft. It underlies the needle carrying crosshead and provides a firm support for the superjacent belly as the latter travels overit.

The electric. motor 135. is mounted 'on the left hand end of the platform 18; as viewed in Figure: arranged so that the armature shaft thereof. extends lengthwise of, the frame structured It is; preferably a constant speed unidirectionai motor and receives electric current by way of conductors 40. which extend downwards through a vertically extending pipe 41 and then sidewise' through a horizontal pipe 42'. 42. restson, and extends lengthwise of, the platformflB and is connected at one end thereof to the lower end of the .pipe 41. The other end of the pipe 42 terminates adjacent the casing of the electric motor. It is contemplated that when the apparatus is in operation the electric motor 35 will be driven continuously. f

;,'-Ihe gearing fordriving the shafts'34from the electric motor 35 comprises a gear type speed reducing unit 43., a horizontal shaft 44, a chainand' sprocket connection 45 between the speed reducing unit 43 and theshaft 44,, a horizontal shaft 46;.a chain and sprocket connection 41 between the shafts 44 and 46, a pinion 48, a gear 49.12. horizontal shaft 50 and a chain and sprocket connection '5] between the shaft 50 and the shafts 34. The speed reducing unit 43 of the gearing is mounted on the inner end of the casing of the electric motor'35 and is provided with a horizontal driven shaft 52 which extends transversely of the frame structure of the apparatus. The horizontal shaft 44 extends transversely of the frame structure and is located inwards fland downwards with respect to the driven shaft 52 of the speed reducing unit 43. The ends of the shaft 4.4 are journalled in bearings 53 which, as 7 shown in Figure 3, are. mounted on the platform is. of the frame structure. The chain and sprccke-t'conn'ection 45 comprises a sprocket 54 on one end of the driven shaft 52 of the speed reducingunit 43, a sprocket 55 on one end of the shaft 44 and anendless chain 56 around the two sprockets. The horizontal shaft 46 extends transversely of theframe structure. It is located over the electric motor 35 and is journalled in a bearing 5? which is mounted on a sub-platform 58. *The latterforms a part of the frame structure and is located substantially midway between the rear end of the platform I8 and the rear end of the, pan 22. The chain and'sprocket connec tion 4'!v of the gearing comprises a sprocket 59 on the shaft 44. a sprocket 60 on the shaft 46 and an endless chain 61 around the sprockets 59 and 60. The pinion 48 is fixed to the shaft 46 and meshes with, and serves'to drive, the gear 49. The shaft '56 extends transversely of the frame structure and is arranged in parallel and side by side relation with the shaft 46. It is journalled in a bearing (not shown) on the sub-platform' 58 and carries thejgear 49v which is driven by the The pipe pinion 48. The chain and sprocket connection comprises a sprocket 62 on the shaft 50, sprockets 63 on certain ends of the shafts 34 and an endless chain 64 around the sprocket 62 and the sprockets 63. The chain 64 extends part way around the sprocket 62, then upwards and part way around the rearmost sprocket 63, then forwards over the upper portions of the other sprockets 63, then rearwards, then partly around a take-up sprocket 65, and finally downwards to the sprocket 62. The take-up sprocket 65 is mounted on the central portion of a substantially horizontal arm 66, one end of which is pivotally mounted, and the other end of which overlies a vertically extending adjusting screw 61. The portions of the chain 64 that extend part way around the sprockets 63 are held in engagement with such sprockets by way of idler sprockets 68. The latter are located midway between the upper portions of the sprockets 63 and are mounted on horizontal shafts 69 which are suitably journalled in, and extend transversely of, the frame structure. When the electric motor 35 is driven it operates through the aforementioned gearing to drive the shafts 34 in a counterclockwise direction as heretofore pointed out. Such drive on the part of the shafts results in the teeth-equipped wheels 31 and the roller 39 feeding the bellies b, one at a time, under the inverted U-shaped bracket 23.

Needle carrying crosshead The crosshead is designated in the drawing by the reference numeral 10 and extends horizontally. It is locateddirectly behind the inverted U-shaped bracket 23 and is hollow. As best shown in Figure 4 the crosshead 10 has a flat bottom. Brine under pressure is delivered to the interior of the crosshead as hereinafter described. The crosshead extends transversely of the frame structure, carries a longitudinal series of equidistantly spaced depending hollow needles ll, and is in effect a manifold. The needles have pointed lower ends with laterally extending discharge orifices T2. The upper ends of the needles are provided with outwardly extending flanges "I3 and are connected to the flat bottom wall of the hollow crosshead 10 by way of nipples l4 and cup shaped centrally apertured nuts 15. The upper ends of the nipples extend through holes in the bottom wall of the crosshead and are connected thereto by screw thread connections 16. The outwardly extending flanges 13 at the upper ends of the needles abut against the lower ends of the nipples and are clamped in place by way of the nuts 75 which surround the upper ends of the needles and are connected to the lower ends of the nipples by way of screw thread connections H. The nipples have longitudinally extending open ended ducts 18 which establish communication between the interior of the crosshead and the interiors of the needles. The ducts are of less diameter than the internal diameter of the hollow needles. When brine under pressure is introduced into the interior of the crosshead it flows downwards through the ducts 18 in the nipples and then, after flowing longitudinally through the needles, is discharged laterally via the orifices 12 in the pointed lower ends of the needles. The ducts 18 are adapted greatly to reduce the pressure within the needle interiors from that within the crosshead 10. It has been found that by having the pressure'within the crosshead several times as great as the pressure within the interiors of the needles that a substantially uniform amount of brine is ejected from each needle during a given time interval even though the needles embedded in belly portions have different amounts of resistance to the outflow of brine through the orifices T2. In actual practice, it has been found advantageous to have the pressure within the hollow crosshead at from 50-150 pounds per square inch and to have the diameter of the ducts 18 such that the pressure of the brine within the needles is about 5-15 pounds per square inch. Duct diameters at between about .03 to .06 of an inch have been found satisfactory, and excellent results are achieved when the ducts have diameters of the order of .045 inch.

The ends of the crosshead are provided with a pair of upstanding parallel arms 79. The latter extend upwards beyond the crosspiece 30 of the inverted U-shaped bracket 23 and are pivotally connected to the ends of a horizontally extending shaft by way of pivot blocks 8!. The shaft 86 extends transversely of the frame structure and is shifted downwards and upwards as hereinafter described in order to cause insertion of the lower ends of the needles into the subjacent belly and subsequent removal therefrom. It is contemplated that when the crosshead, in response to downward shift of the shaft 80, is moved downwards so as to effect penetration of the lower ends of the needles into the subjacent belly brine under pressure will be forced through the needles into such belly for belly curing purposes. The pivot blocks 8| are horizontally elongated and extend lengthwise of the frame structure. The front ends of the blocks have circular horizontally extending holes through which the ends of the shaft 80 extend loosely. Nuts 82 on the outer extremities of the shaft 80 hold the pivot blocks in place on the ends of the shaft 80. The rear ends of the pivot blocks 8| are provided with substantially vertical holes through which the upper ends of the arms 79 extend. Such ends of the arms have clamp nuts 83 which are arranged in straddled relation with the rear ends of the pivot blocks and serve to hold the arms 19 against axial displacement with respect to the blocks. The blocks 3! form pivotal connections whereby the needle carrying crosshead after it is moved downwards to eifect penetration of the needles into the subjacent belly, is permitted to move along with the belly until it is moved upwards to effect withdrawal of the needles from the belly. Coil springs 84 serve automatically to retract the crosshead to its normal starting position each time it is raised or moved upwards in connection with withdrawal of the needles from the subjacent belly. Such springs surround the ends of the shaft 80 and extend between the pivot blocks 8! and fixed collars 85 on the shaft 26. The inner ends of the springs 84 are anchored to the collars and the outer ends of the springs extend downwards and are provided with hooks around the upper ends of the arms 19. Retractile swinging movement of the needle carrying crosshead 18 in response to the action of the coil springs 84 is limited by way of a pair of rubber rollers 86. The latter are located adjacent, and coast with, the central portions of the arms 19 and are mounted on horizontally extending spindles 8'1 which are carried by U-shaped brackets 88 on the end portions of the crosspiece 30 of the U-shaped bracket 23. As shown in dotted lines in Figure 4 the brackets '88 overhang in a rearward direction the crosspiece 30. The springs 84 are tightly loaded in order quickly to retract the needle carrying crosshead directly after removal ofthe needles from the subjacent belly. The stop 'forming'rollers 86 are preferably disposed a small'distance forwardof the rear ends of the blocks 3| in order that the arms #9, whenin their retracted position, are tilted asmau distance forwards to the end that the needles directly overlie the roller 39 as shown in Figure 4. By having the needles overlying the roller when the cr'osshead is in its retracted position the roller-forms a firm support for the superjacent belly at the point where in connection with downward movement :of the crosshead the needles penetrate such belly.

Associated with the needle carrying crosshead it is a series of parallel laterally spaced stripper fingers 83-. Such fingers extend lengthwise of the frame structure and havethe front ends thereof connected fixedlyto a horizontally extending rock shaft 90'. The rear ends of the fingers 'ts are disposed adjacent, but-are laterally offset with respect to, the needles II and serve to Strip the subjacent belly from the needles in connection with withdrawal-of the latter. The rock shaft Eilextendstransversely of the frame structure and has at its ends trunnions which are journalled in upstandingbearings 9i on the central portions of the outwardly extending flanges 28 on the upper margins of the pan side walls 26. A weight 92 serves to urge the stripper fingers 39' downwards into contacting relation with the subiacent belly. Such weight is mounted for longitudinal slidingmovement on an arm 93 which is disposed .over and in parallel relation with the'rear ends of-the stripper fingers 89 and has its front end bent downwards and fixedly connectedto the rock shaft 90. A set screw 94 serves to maintain the weight 02 inits various adjusted positions with respect to the arm 93. The central portionsof the stripper fingers carry an upstanding .splashwall 95 for confining any ib'rine which is' j etted forwards from the needles while the latter are out of penetrating relation with the subjacent belly. As shown in Figure 4, the splash wall 95 .is disposed between the depending side pieces .3I of the inverted U-shaped bracket23. 1 :1

Mechanism for automatically mowing the needle carrying cross'bead down and up The mechanism for moving the hollow crosshead I down and up in order, to effect insertion of the needles into the .subjacent bellyandsube sequent withdrawal therefrom comprises a cylinder-p iston unit -96 and a control valve9'! for the unit and operates by way of air under ;pressure. i

The unit 96 extends vertically and underlies the central portion of the horizontally extending shaft :80. It is mounted .on a horizontallyextending plate 98 and consists of a cylinder99and a piston I80. The plate isarrangedso that the front portion thereof rests on, andis secured to, the central portion of, the crosspiece 30 of the inverted U-shaped bracket 23. The cylinder 90 of the unit as is provided atgits lower end with a fiat disc-like head IOI and has a flat head I02 at its upper end. The head IOI rests on, and is secured to, the mounting plate S98 and serves as a closure for the lower end of the cylinder 99. lfihe other head, i. e., the head I02, extendsacross, and is suitably connected to, theupper end of the cylinder and forms a closure for thelatter. The piston IE0 is mountedfor vertical sliding move-' ment in the cylinderand is fixedlyconnected to 10 the lower end of a vertically :extending piston rod M3; The piston rod extends slidably through a stu-fiing box I'M on the "head I02 and has its upper end-fixedly secured to the central-portion of the rod -30. When an under pressure is admitted into the upper end of the cylinder while'the lower end of the cylinder is vented the piston I00 slides downwards and operates through the medium of the piston rod I03, the shaft 80 and'the upstandi-ng arm 19 to move the crosshead I0 downwards in order to "bring the needles II into penetrating relation with thesubiacent belly b. When air under pressure is introduced into the lower end of the cylinder 99 while the upper end of the cylinder is vented the-piston I00 slides upwards and operates to move upwards the crosshead I0 inorder to effect withdrawal '0f the needles.

"The control valve 91 for the cylinder-piston unit :96 mounted on the inner end of the subplatforr n' 50am! consists of a housing I05 and a spool types/alve member I05. The housing I05 is provided with-a bore I01 and five annular laterally spaced groove-like ports -I08, I09, IIO, III and H2 around and in communication with the bore I-0-I. The position of the housing I05 is such that the bore I-0'I extends horizontally and also lengthwise of the frame structure. The ports I 00 and I I-2 are located inwards of the ends of the bore :IGJ and are exhaust ports in that they communicate with atmosphere. The port IIO is'loca'ted midwa-ytbetweenthe exhaust ports I08 and M2 and-is connected Joy-a pipe M3 to a source of air under pressure, such, for example, as a compressed air storage tank or a motor driven air compressor Gnot shown). The pipe I I3' extends horizontally from the housing =I05 and then upwards in close proximity to the vertically extending pipe 44 through which extend the conductors Motors-upplying electric current to the motor 35. The port I09 is disposed midway between the ports-$08 and IMand is connected to one end of apipe M4. The other end of the pipe I I4is provided with a pair of branches I I5 and H6. The branch .I I5 is connected to, and communicates with, the upper end of the cylinder 99 at a point a-smalldistance-beneath the head I02. The other branch, i. -e.,--the branch H6, includes a check valve :II I and communicates with the upper end of *the cylinder by way of an -L-shaped duct II8 in the head M72. The checkvalve II'I opens when air under pressure flows from the port I09 through the pipe I-M and the branch H6 and embodies a small bleed or by-pass port (not shown) The port I I4 is'located midway between the ports H0 and H2 and is connected to one end-of :a'pipe H 0. Theother end of the pipe no is provided with a pair of branches I20 and i 24. The branch I20 is connected to and communicates with the interior of the cylinder at a point a small distance above the head IOI. 'l he branch'I-M includes a check valve 122 and communicates with the lower end of the cylinder byway of an L-shaped duct I23 in the head I0 I. Phe check .valve I -22 is like the check valve 1. It opens when air under pressure flows from the port @I I-I through the pipe H9 and the branch I ZI and embodies a small bleed or by-pass port not shown I The --spool-type valve member I06 of the control valve s l =is=slidably-mounted in the bore I01 and hast-nthecentral portion thereof a pair of annular laterally spaced grooves I24 and I25. It is shittableback and forth *between two positions and'embodiesat its right hand end as viewed in Figures 8 and 9 a stem I26. The latter is disposed for the most part exteriorly of the housing I05 and embodies a head I21 at its outer end. A helical compression spring I28 surrounds the stem I26 and serves to urge the spool type valve member I06 into its right hand position as shown in Figures 8 and 10. The outer end of the spring I23 abuts against the head I21 and the inner end of the spring abuts against the housing I05. When the spool type valve member I06 is in its right hand position the groove I24 establishes communication between the ports H and I09- and the groove I25 establishes communication between the ports II I and I I2. As the result of this air under pressure flows from the pipe H3 through the port H0, the groove I24, the port I09, the pipe H4 and the branches H5 and H6 into the upper end of the cylinder 99 and the lower end of the cylinder is vented to atmosphere by way of the branches I20 and I2 I, the pipe I I9, the port HI, the groove I25 and the port H2. When air under pressure enters the upper end of the cylinder 99 it forces the piston I00 downwards and this results in downward movement of the needle carrying crosshead III as heretofore described. When, in connection with downward sliding movement of the piston, the piston passes the branch I20 venting of the lower end of the cylinder is only by way of the aforementioned bleed or by-pass port in the check valve I22 and hence there is formed in the lower end of the cylinder an air cushion for yieldingly stopping or retarding further downward sliding movement of the piston. When the spool type valve member I99 is slid to the left against the force of the helical compression spring I28 the groove I25 establishes communication between the ports H0 and I I I and the groove I24 establishes communication between the ports I09 and I08. As the result of this air under pressure flows from the pipe I I3 through the port I I0, the groove I25, the port III, the pipe H9 and the branches I20 and I2I into the lower end of the cylinder 99 and the upper end of the cylinder is vented to atmosphere by way of the branches I I5 and I I6, the pipe I I4, the port I09, the groove I24 and the port I08. As soon as air under pressure enters the lower end of the cylinder 99 it forces the piston I00 upwards and this results in upward movement of the needle carrying crosshead 10. When in connection with upward sliding movement of the piston, the piston passes the branch H5 venting of the upper end of the cylinder is only by way of the bleed or by-pass port in the check valve Ill and hence an air cushion is formed in the upper end of the cylinder for yieldingly stopping or retarding further upward sliding movement of the piston. From the foregoing it is manifest that back and forth sliding movement of the spool type valve member I06 between its right and left hand positions results in the cylinderpiston unit 98 moving the needle carrying crosshead down and up.

The mechanism for automatically moving the needle carrying crosshead down and up comprises in addition to the cylinder-piston unit 95 and the control valve 91, means for actuating the control valve in timed relation with continuous feed of the bellies under the needle carrying crosshead 70. Such means consists of a circular cam I29, a cam follower I30 and an upstanding lever I3I. The circular cam I29 is eccentrically mounted on the shaft 44 as shown in Figure 5 and is keyed or otherwise fixedly secured to such shaft so as to rotate therewith. The cam follower I30 is in the form of a roller and is normally in engagement with the periphery of the cam I23. It is mounted rotatably on a horizontal pivot pin I32 which, as best shown in Figure 3, is connected to, and projects laterally from, the lower end of the upstanding lever I3I. The lever is centrally fulcrumed on a horizontally extending pivot pin I33 which extends transversely of the frame structure and extends loosely through bearing plates I34 on the central portion of the lever I3I. The upper end of the lever is aligned with the head I2 'I on the outer end of the stem I26 of the spool type valve member I06 and is provided with a horizontally extending spring loaded plunger I35. The latter extends lengthwise of the frame structure and is arranged so that the left hand end thereof as viewed in Figure 5 is in abutment with the head I21. The cam I29, in connection with rotation thereof, operates through the medium of the cam follower I30 to rock the upstanding lever I3I back and forth. When the lever is rocked in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 5 the plunger I35 shifts the spool type valve member I06 into its left hand position wherein, as previously pointed out, it so controls the air under pressure as to cause the piston I00 of the cylinder-piston unit 96 to slide upwards. When the lever I3I is rocked in the opposite direction the compression spring I28 slides the valve member I06 into its right hand position wherein it so controls the air under pressure as to cause downward sliding movement of the piston I00. The pivot pin I33 that constitutes the fulcrum for the upstanding lever I3I is eccentrically mounted on one end of a horizontal shaft I36. Such shaft extends transversely of the frame structure and has the central portion thereof extending through and journalled in a bearing I31 on an upright I38 which forms part of the frame structure and has one of the inner corners of the sub-platform 58 connected to it. The outer end of the shaft I36 is provided with a knob equipped radially extending hand lever I39 whereby the shaft may be rocked back and forth in order laterally to adjust the position of the pivot pin I33. By laterally adjusting the pivot pin I33 the length of time in which the hollow needles are in penetrating relation with the subjacent belly may be varied as desired. If, for example, the eccentrically disposed pivot pin I33 is by proper turning of the shaft I36 shifted to the left as viewed in Figure 5 the cam follower will respond to the action of the cam I29 for a comparatively long period of time with the result that the lever I3I will remain rocked in a counterclockwise direction for a comparatively long period of time. On the other hand, if the pivot pin I33 is shifted to the right as viewed in Figure 5 the cam follower will respond to the action of the cam I29 for a lesser period of time with the result that the lever I3I will remain in its counterclockwise rocked position for a lesser period of time. It is, therefore, apparent that by laterally adjusting the position of the fulcrum forming pivot pin I33 the length of time that the needles remain in the subjacent belly may be varied as desired.

In order releasably to lock the spool type valve member I06 in its left hand position as viewed in Figures 8 and 9 to the end that the needle carrying crosshead 10 will remain in its up position a latch device I40 is provided. This device comprises a horizontally extending rock shaft I4I, a hand lever I42 and a disc-like member I43. The rock shaft I4I extends transversely of the frame structure and is located a short momma one end of the roclc' shaihIM and. serves as: a.

medium for rocking, the shaft hacktemdIforthL. The disc-like member I'M lSflXGu i to; andmount ed. eccentrically' on, thecentral portion. ot' the: rock shaft I 11. It' isin alignmentwitlr the up p'erend of the upstanding lever l3 l andhas a fiat I45 on the portion thereof: that is t greatest radius. When the rock shaft MI is turned in a. counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig ure 5 the. hat M5 isbrought intoengagement withv the upper end of the: lever 1H and serves to lock the lever in such position that'ityimturn, through the medium of the spring loaded; plunger I:35,. holds the spool type :valve'rnemben I 06 in its left hand. position When the'roclt-shaft- FM is rocked in the otherfdirectioir so as't'o swing the fiat 145 on the di'sc liket member I13 away from the upper end of the lever the leverisre leasedso that it is free to rock back and forth in response to the action of the cam- I 2 9 and the cam follower I. The device M'U exemplifies or constitutes means for releasably' holding the spool type valve member Ind-in its-left hand po=- sition to the end that theneedlecarryihg-crossa head 18? will remain in" its up positionwhen the apparatusis: not in use.

M echanism' for supplying brine und'er'pressura to needle. carrying. crossliea'd" The mechanism forsupplyingbrinerunder pres sure to the needle carryin crossheadllt com*-- prises a brine storage and: supply tank I46, a pump Ml and a valve I48.

The tank I46= is; suitably mounted on the front; or receivingyend. of; the frame" structure and. is: supplied with brine. by way of pipe M9. 'I-he latter embodies. a verticallyiextendingi section in close proximity to; the pipes 44 and: I13v and av horizontally extending. section; The upperen'd of the vertically extending: section. is. adapted for connection to any suitable: source of brine-supply. The horizontally extending section of" the: pipe 2'49: extends lengthwise of. the. frame struc; ture and has. one: end. thereofi connected to thelower end of the vertically'extending sectiom and its other end: connected-1. to. the" upper-portion of the tank. Hit. The end of the horizontally ex tending: section that is-zc'onnectefd to the tank is provided within the tank: with a float valve I50 which serves automatically tocut oilithe flow of" brine through the pipe IE9 into the tanlt'wlienthe brine in. the tank. reaches a predetermined level. A verticallyextending' over-flowplpe" I51 is located within the-tank and has it'slower end" extending through; and suitably connected to the bottom of the tank}. A. substantially hori' zontal drain pipe I52 hasone" endthereof con nected to the lower end of the downwardlyin-- clined pan bottom wall25:and itsother end con n'ecteol to the back wall of the tank and serves to drain any brinethat. accumulates within the pan 223 back into the tankJiGi The pump I4? is mounted on the"- central p'or' tion of the platform IS; It'is drivemby an eTectric motor I53 and c'ompr-isesa rotor" (notsh own=)'* and. a casing I'54 aroundthd rotor: The elec tricmoton I53 is mounted on the platform I8 betweenthe tank I 4d and the purnp" WI and has 14 to the: rotor of: the pump; The pump casing lid is provided with: an inlet I56 and an outlet I551. The inlet I556 is'connected to the bottom portion of thetank by way of a pipe I58. The receivingv end. of; the pipe I58=is provided with a pair of oppositely extending branches I59, the ends of which; extend upwards through the b'ottomwall 01%" the tank and have strainers I6 0 connected to them. When: the pump I4 1 is drivenrby the i electric motor IE? it operatesto draw brine from the: tank. and to force brine under pressure through the casing. outlet I51- The valve I243 is located over the invertedv U-.

shaped bracket 2531 or the frame structure. and.

is? disposed directly infrontof'the cylinder-piston unit 96. Itisconnectedtto; andzdepends. for the most part fromfan; extension. I-BlI on the head I202. and comprises: a. vertically elongated hous:-: mg IE2: and a vertically slidable. valve member I 63. The; upper end; of the housing 162 is provided wlth'a reduced tubular part I64 which eX-' tends upwards through; and is: connected by a press fit to; avertically extending hole I65 in:-

thezextension I 61. The. interior of of the housing' I62: of the valve I48 is divided by way of a I Ill in. which fits snugly a tubular valve seat" I H whereby communication is established between the inlet and outlet" chambers. I51 and I68. The inlet chamber I '61 is connected to the pumpoutllet: I5"?! by way of a pipe I12 and consequently when the pump is in operation as theresult of being driven by the electric motor I53brine under pressure-enters the chamber-16 1.. The upper outlet chamber I68" isconnect'e'd: to the hollow'needl'e carryingcrossheadi Ill by a: pair of flexible hose connections H3. The inlet ends ofthe'hose con-- nections' I13: are connected to diametrically op p'osit'eiportionsiof. the upper end of the housing I62 by nipple" type couplings I14 and the other or discharge ends of the hose connections are connected to the end:- portions of the crosshead Tflzby nipple.typeicoupli'ngs I 15; The brine under 1 pressure that entersi-the outlet chamber I68 flows via the hose connections I13 into the crosshea'd 1 0; and: then is discharged via the laterally extending orifices. 'IZ 'in the lower ends of the needles: 'I'he conical valve member I63 of the valve I48 is disposed in the upper portion of the lower inlet chamber I61 and is shiftable upwards and downwards into and out of seated relation with the lower end ofthe tubular valve seat I"! I.

pressure from the inlet'cha'mber" ISl'" totheout let chamber I63.

upper end of thespring abuts against the lower end of the conical member I63". Said member 1 is provided with an upwardly extending, valve stem HT, the central portion of. which extends 4 through; and is' slidably' mounted in, the tubularpart I64 ontheupper endo'fthe hQusin g'WEZ'ZI I The upperend of the stem- I'FI" extends through" its armature shait connected by a coupling I 78?; a st'umng box' H8 and isextefiorlydisposedwith When, however, the valve member isinits open position brine flows from the chamber I61 through the tubular valve seat 1 I'l into'the outlet chamber I 682 of the compression spring' I 16 fits within the in-- terior of the=cup-shaped screw plug I 69" and'the' The lowerv end respect to the upper end of the housing I62. When the stem I1! is depressed against the force of the spring I76 the conical valve member I63 slides downwards into its open position wherein it permits the flow of brine under pressure from the chamber I51 into the chamber I68. Associated with the valve I48 is means for automatically opening the valve each time the crosshead I0 is moved downwards to effect penetration of the lower ends of the needles II into the subjacent belly. Such means is in the form of a linkage comprising an arm I19, a link I80 and a lever I8I. The arm I19 is fixedly connected to,.and extends radially from, the central portion of the horizontally extending shaft 80 and projects upwards and rearwards as shown in Figures 1 and 4. The link I80 extends substantially vertically and has the upper end thereof connected to the outer end of the arm I79 by way of a pivot pin I82. The lever I8I is disposed under the shaft I80 and is forwardly and downwardly inclined. The rear end of the lever I8I is pivotally connected to the lower end of the link I80 by way of a pivot pin I83. The front end of the lever I8I is pivotally connected to a pair of upstanding pivot lugs I84 by way of a pivot pin I85. The lugs I84 are connected to the front end of the extension I82 on the head I02. When in connection with operation of the cylinder-piston unit 96, the shaft 80 moves downwards the lever IBI, as the result i of the action of the arm I19 and the link I80, swings downwards. Upward shift or movement of the shaft 80 results in upward swinging of the lever I8I. On the portion of the lever that is directly inwards of the pivot pin I is a laterally extending lug I86 which overlies the upper end of the valve stem I1! and is provided with a vertically adjustable screw I81. The latter extends through a threaded hole in the lug I85 and is provided with a lock nut I88 for securing it in place. The arrangement of the screw I8! is such that when the lever I8I swings downwards in connection with downward shift of the shaft 80 the screw strikes against and depresses the valve stem II'I thus resulting in openin of the conical valve member I63. It is contemplated that the screw I81 will be so positioned or adjusted that it operates to open the conical valve member as soon as the lower ends of the needles are brought into penetrating relation with the subjacent belly. By adjusting the screw up or down the time of opening of the conical valve member I83 may be varied.

Operation When it is desired to use the apparatus the electric motors 35 and I53 are started by closing the switches of the circuits therefor. As soon as the motor 35 is started it operates through the medium of the heretofore mentioned gearing to drive the shafts 34 with the toothequipped wheels 31 thereon. It also operates through the medium of the cam I29, the cam follower I30 and the lever I3I to shift the spool type valve member I06 back and forth with the result that the cylinder-piston unit 98 serves to move down and up the shaft 80. Upon starting of the electric motor I53 the pump I54 operates as hereinbefore described, to supply brine under pressure through the pipe I12 into the lower inlet chamber I61 of the valve I48. When a belly travels under the needles the needles, in connection with downward movement of the crosshead I0, penetrate the belly. As soon as the needles enter the belly the valve I48 opens with the result that brine under pressure is discharged into the belly through the laterally extending orifices I2. While the needles are discharging brine into the subjacent belly the crosshead and needles swing rearwards with the constantly moving belly. In connection with upward movement of the needle carrying crosshead the needles are withdrawn from the subjacent belly and the crosshead is returned to its normal starting position by the action of the coil springs 84. The crosshead moves down and up continuously in timed relation with the feed of the bellies under the needles with the result that each belly has a predetermined quantity of brine injected into it at spaced apart points throughout its area. The brine that is not injected into the bellies is caught by the pan 22 and is returned to the tank I46 by way of the drain pipe I52.

The apparatus is entirely automatic and serves to inject brine into the bellies to be treated with great rapidity. It is comparatively simple so far as design and construction are concerned and hence may be produced at a comparatively low cost.

Whereas the apparatus has been described as a medium for injecting brine into hog bellies it is to be understood that the apparatus may also be used to inject other curing liquid into other pieces of meat or the like. It is also to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to thedetails set forth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and comprising a frame structure, power driven means mounted on the frame structure, operative when driven continuously to feed the bellies to be treated one after the other in a substantially horizontal direction and embodying a series of closely spaced parallel horizontal shafts with teeth-equipped belly supporting wheels thereon, an electric motor and gearing between the motor and the shafts for driving the latter in one direction, a crosshead positioned over certain of the shafts, provided with a plurality of downwardly extending hollow needles, and having mounting means therefor whereby it is supported so that it is movable first downwards in order to bring the needles into penetrating relation with the subjacent belly, then laterally for a short distance with the subjacent belly, and then upwards so as to effect removal of the needles from said subjacent belly, power operated means on the frame structure for moving the crosshead downwards and upwards in rapid succession, means for retracting the crosshead laterally to its starting position each time the needles are withdrawn in connection with upward movement thereof, and means whereby curing liquid under pressure is caused to flow through the needles and into the subjacent belly each time the needles are brought into their said penetrating relation.

2. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and comprising: a frame structure; power driven means mounted on the frame structure and operative when driven continuously to feed the bellies to be treated one after the other in a substantially horizontal direction; an element mounted over the feed means to move downwards and upwards; a crosshead positioned between the element and said feed means, con-- nected. to saidelement. sothat it is. movable downwards and. upwards therewithand also.

free to swing laterally relatively thereto, provided with aplurality of downwardly extending hollow needles, and adapted when theelement moves downward-s first to bring the needles into.

ported on the. frame structure-in close proximityto. the element, an operating connection between the piston of the. unit and said-element, a valve. adapted upon actuation thereof. alternately to control the supply I and (exhaust of. airito, opposite ends of the cylinder. ofthe unit, and co.-

actingparts adaptedto actuate the valve and:

arranged to operate in timed.rel'ation .withLthe. power driven feedmeans; meansfonretracting the crosshead laterally to itsstarting position each time the needles-are withdrawnin connection with upward movementthereof andmeans on the frame structure operative automatically each time the. needles are brought into. penc trating relation with. thesubjacentbellyflto force curing liquid under pressure. through theneedles and into said-subjacent. belly.

3. Anapparatus. adapted to treat hog bellies or the like andcomprising: ahorizontallygelongated frame structure; means mountedon the frame structure, operativewhen driven continuously to. feed the'bellies to betreatedin series.-

formlengthwise ofthe frame structure and embodying alongitudinal series. of closely spaced parallel horizontal. shafts.- with teeth-equipped bell-y supporting wheels thereon, an electricmotor and gearing between .themotorandthe shafts for driving the latter in-one direction; a.hori. zontally extending crosshead positionedover and transversely. of certain of the shafts, provided with a, longitudinal series of fixed downwardlyextending spaced .apart hollow needles, and. having. mounting means therefor whereby. it issup-- ported so that it is movable first. downwards in order to bringthe-needles.intopenetrating relation with the. subjacent belly, thenllaterally for a short distance with the'subjacent .bel1y,.and then upwardsso as. to. effect withdrawal of, the needles. from said subjacent belly; pneumatic means operative to move. the. crosshead downwards and upwardsin rapid succession and embodying a cylinder-piston unit .disposedadjacent, and having one of theparts. thereofioperatively connected to, the crosshead, a valve adaptedupon. actuation thereof alternately to control the supply and exhaust of airt opposite endsof. the cylinder ofthe unit, and. coacting nartsadapted repeatedly to actuatev the valveand. including a cam connected for drive by the aforementioned gearing; means for retracting the crossheadlatfeed the bellies-to. be treated. one after the other in asubstantially horizontal. direction,,an eIe= merit mounted. over the feed meansto move downwards and.upWards, a crosshead positioned," under the element, connected to said element so" thatit is .movabledownwards and upwards therewith and is. also free. to swing laterally relatively thereto, provided with a plurality of downwardly extendingnhollow needles, adapted when the element moves downwards. first to bringthe needles. into penetrating relation with the subjacent belly on the-feedmeans and then .toswing laterally. for a short distance with said subja centbelly, and further a'daptedwhen the. element moves upwards to .effectwithdrawal .of. the needles from said subjacent' belly, vmeans on. the. frame structure. for. moving 'said' element. downwards and upwardsin rapidsuccession,.meansfor re..- tracting the crossheadlaterally to itsst'artingj position each. timethe. needles are... withdrawn.

in connectionv with. upwardmovement of! the crossheadandelement, andlmeanson the frame structure operative automatically each time the. needles are brought-into penetrating relation with the subjacentbelly tdforce. curingliquid. under.

erally to. its starting-positioneach.timetheneepressure through. the. needles. and into said. subjacent belly, and: embodying... a. valve adjacent the element and an operating connectionbetween the element and...the.valve. whereby, the valve is actuated each time said element is. moveddowne wards.

5..An.apparatus adaptedto. treat hogbellies or. the like and comprising. a. framestructure, power driven means mountedonthe framestructure. and operative. when. driven. continuously. to. feedthe bellies to. be. treated one. after another. in. a horizontal direction, an elementrmounted. overthe feedmeans to move downwardsfand..up,-.-- wards, a. crosshead located between .the'. element andsaid feed. means, connected to saiduelement so that..it is movable downwardsoand upwardsi therewith. and .is free toswing laterallyrelatively. thereto, providedwith a plurality offdownwardlyextending hollow needles, I adaptedwhen .theelementmoves downwards tobring-the needles into.

penetrating relation .with the subjacentbelly on the feed means and. then. to swing laterally, for

ashort distance. with .the. subjacent belly, and further. adapted whenthe element moves-upwards to. effect withdrawal of" theneedles from. said subjacent-belly, pneumatic means. operative. to movethe. elementdownwards. and'upwards in rapid succession and. including a-cylinden-pis'ton.

unit disposedadjacent the. element and. having the piston thereofioperatively. connectedtosaid element, means for retracting the crosshead .lat-

. erally.to..its.starting positioneachtime thenee 60.

dles are brought .into. penetrating. relation with the. subjacentbellyto .force. curing liquid underpressure. through theneedles and. into said subrjacentzbelly andincluding-avalve-disposed adj acent the cylinderrpistoniu-nit and an operating connection between a the element and I the valve whereby, thevalve is opened each time-the element ismoved. downwardly.

6-.. An apparatus adapted. to treat: hog. bellies or, the. like and. comprising: a frame. structure; powendrivenmeans mountedon the framestructure. andoperative when. driven icontinuouslyto feedlthebellies tobe treatedone after. therother in a substantially horizontal direction; a crosshead positioned over the feed means, provided with a plurality of downwardly extending hollow needles, and mounted so that it is movable first downwards in order to effect insertion of the needles into the subjacent belly on said feed means, then laterally for a short distance with the subjacent belly, and then upwards so as to effect withdrawal of the needles from said subjacent belly; pneumatic means operative to move the crosshead downwards and upwards in rapid succession and embodying a cylinder-piston unit disposed adjacent the crosshead and having the piston thereof operatively connected to said crosshead, a valve adapted in connection with actuation thereof alternately to control the supply and exhaust of air to opposite ends of the cylinder unit, and coacting parts adapted repeatedly to actuate the valve and connected to operate in timed relation with said feed means; means for adjusting the timing cycle of said coacting parts in order to vary the length of time the needles remain in the subjacent belly; means for retracting the crosshead laterally to its starting position each time the needles are withdrawn in connection with upward movement thereof; and means operative automatically each, time the needles are brought into inserted relation with the subjacent belly to force curing liquid under pressure through the needles and into said subjacent belly.

'7. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and comprising: a frame structure; power driven means mounted on the frame structure and operative when driven to feed the bellies to be treated one after anotherin a horizontal direction and at a constant speed; a crosshead positioned over the feed means, provided with a plurality of downwardly extending hollow needles downwards and upwards in rapid succession and embodying a cylinder-piston unit disposed adjacent the crosshead and having the piston thereof operatively connected to said crosshead, a valve adapted in connection with actuation thereof alternately to control the supply and exhaust of fluid under pressure to opposite ends of the cylinder of the unit, and automatic actuating means for the valve provided with means for adjusting the timing cycle thereof in order to vary the length of time the needles in connection with downward and lateral movement of the crosshead remain in the subjacent belly; means for retracting the crosshead laterally to its starting positions each time the needles are withdrawn in connection with upward movement thereof; and means operative automatically each time the needles are brought into penetrating relation with the subiacent belly to force curing liquid under pressure through the needles and into said subjacent belly.

8. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and comprising a frame structure, power driven means mounted on the frame structure and operative when driven to feed the bellies to be treated one after another in a substantially horizontal direction and at a constantspeed, a crosshead positioned over the feed means, provided with a plurality of downwardly extending hollow needles, and mounted so that it is movable first downwards in order to effect insfilt QI f t e needles into a subjacent belly on said feed means, then laterally for a short distance with the subjacent belly, and then upwards so as to effect removal of the needles from said subjacent belly, power actuated means operative to move the crosshead downwards and upwards in rapid succession and provided with an adjustment whereby the speed of downward and upward movement of the crosshead may be varied in order to vary as desired the length of time the needles in connection with downward and lateral movement of the crosshead remain in the subjacent belly, means for retracting the crosshead laterally to a starting position each time the needles are withdrawn in connection with upward movement thereof, and means for forcing, curing liquid under pressure through the needles and into the subjacent belly when the needles are brought into inserted relation with said belly.

9. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and comprising a frame structure having means for supporting the bellies to be treated so that they are movable one after the other in a substantially horizontal direction, a hollow crosshead positioned over the supporting means, provided with a longitudinal series of downwardly extending spaced apart hollow needles with their upper ends in communication with the crosshead interior, and mounted so that it is movable downwards and upwards in order to effect insertion of the needles into the subiacent belly on said supporting means and subsequent withdrawal therefrom, power operated means on the frame structure for moving the crosshead downwards and upwards in rapid succession, and means associated with the frame structure, operative each time the needles are inserted into the subjacent belly to force curing liquid under pressure through the needles and into said subjacent belly, and embodying a curing liquid source, a motor driven pump having the inlet thereof connected to the source, a valve having an inlet chamber connected to the pump outlet, an outlet chamber in communication with the interior of the crosshead and a movable valve member between the two chambers, and an operating connection between the crosshead and valve for automatically opening the valve member each time the crosshead moves downward.

10. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and comprising: a horizontally elongated frame structure provided at the upper portion thereof with a longitudinally extending pan and in addition elongated foraminous tray means disposed over and lengthwise of the pan and adapted to have the bellies to be treated move in series form lengthwise thereover; a horizontally extending crosshead positioned over, and transversely of, said tray means, provided with a longitudinal series of downwardly extending spaced apart hollow needles with the upper ends thereof in communication with the interior of the crosshead, and mounted so that it is movable downwards and upwards in order to effect insertion of the needles into the subjacent belly on the tray means and subsequent withdrawal therefrom; power operated means on the frame structure for movingthe crosshead downwards and upwards in rapid succession; mechanism operative each time the needles are inserted into the subjacent belly to force curing liquid under pressure through the needles and into said subjacent belly and embodying a curing liquid supply tank on the frame structure at a lower elevation than the pan, a motor driven pump having the inlet thereof connected to the tank; avalve havingfan inlet'chamber connectedto thepump outlet, an outlet chamthe like and comprising: a horizontally elongated frame structure-provided at the: upper portionthereof with a longitudinally extendingtray with a longitudinal series of rows of slots .therei'ni; powerdriven means-mounted on the frame structure, operative when driven to feedthe'belliesto be treated in series form lengthwiseover the tray and-embodyinga longitudinal series of spaced apart horizontal shafts under the rows respectively and with teeth equipped'wheels havin theupper-portions thereof projecting upwards through theslots, an electric motor and gearing between the-motor and theshaftsfor driving the latter in one direction; a horizontally: extendingcrosshead positioned over, and transversely of, said tray, provided with a longitudinal series of downward- 1y I extending spaced i apart. hollows needles, and

mounted'sothat it is movable downwards and upwards in order to effect insertion of the needles into the subjacent belly on the tray. and subse: quent withdrawal therefrom; power operated means-on-the frame structure for moving the crosshead'downwardsand upwards in comparatively rapid succession; and means operative each timetheneedles are inserted into the subjacent belly to force curing liquidiunder pressure through the needles and into said subjacent. belly.

12. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and'comprising: a horizontally elongated frame structure-provided atthe upper portion thereof with a longitudinally extending pan and ahorizontal tray extending lengthwise over the pan and provided with a longitudinal series, of rows of slots therein; power driven meansmounted onthe framestructure, operative when driven head interior; and: a, movable valve member be-,

tween the two chambers, and an operating connection between/thecrosshead andthe valve for automatically opening the. valvein; connection with each downwardzmovement of the crosshead; and a. drain pipe-between the'pan and; thetank for returning tozthe tank'anyexcess curing liquid that is caught bysaidpan;

13; .In an apparatus for injectingz a liquid? into pierceable, permeable bodies as they move con tinuously. along. a. predeterminedpath, the combination comprising a pendulum'arm pivotally supported at a spacedydistance;from saidzpath and so as to oscillatein alignment therewith, a

crosshead providing a manifold and carried .by said armat azspacedczdistance fromsaid path, at least one injection. needle :extending; from, said crosshead: toward .saidipath, said needle having discharge orifices and: azpassage providing communication between'said orificesand said mani fold, means for periodically and bodily. moving said armtoward and away from said pathiin order to' embed said needle-in one of said bodies in the inner position of said arm and to'remove said needle from said body in the outer position of said arm, means forsupplying: said liquid to said manifold under pressure; means for. returning said arm to itsinitial position-after it is first swung-in one-direction as the. result of said needle being 'embedded in said'body while thelatter ismoving in said one-direction along the path and is-then moved away fromsaid path', and a conveyor for continuously moving said permeable bodies along saidpredetermined path in said one to feedthe bellies tobe treated in series form lengthwise'over the tray, and embodying a longitudinal series of'spacedfapart' horizontal shafts under said. rows respectively and with teeth equipped wheels having the upper portions thereof projecting upwards through the. slots, an electric motor and gearing between the motor and the shafts for drivingthe latter in one direction; a hollow horizontally elongated. crosshead posie tioned over and transversely of said tray, providedwith a longitudinal series of downwardly extendin spaced apart hollow needles-With their upper'en'dsin' communication with the crosshead interior and mounted so that it ismovable downwards and upwards in orderto effect insertion of the needles into the sub-jacent' belly on the; tray and subsequent removal therefrom; power operated means on the frame structure for moving the crosshead'downwards-and upwards in comparatively. rapid'succession; mechanism operative-each time-the'needles are inserted intothe subiacent'belly to force curing liquid under pressure through the needles and-into said subjacent belly-and embodying a curing liquid supply tank on the frame structure ata lower: elevation than the pan, aimotor driven pump having the inlet thereof connectedito the tank; a valve having an inlet chamberconnected-to the pumpputlet; an

' outlet "chamber: in communication with the crossdirection and at a constant rate. V

14. In an apparatus for injectinga liquid into pierceable, permeable-"bodies as they move continuously' along apredetermined path, the combination comprisingapendulum arml pivotally supported at a spaceddistancefrom said path and so as to oscillate in alignment therewith, a

crossheadprovidinga manifold and carried by said arm at a spaceddistance from said path, a plurality of laterallyspaced injection needles extending from said crosshead towards the path, said needles having discharge orifices and passages providing communication between said apertures and said manifold; nipples-interposed between said manifold and said needles and having ducts of restricted cross sectional area in order-greatly to reduce the pressure within said needle passages from that in said manifold, means forperiodically and bodily moving said arm toward and away-fromsaid path in order to embed said'needles-in one'of said bodies in the inner position of said arm and to remove said needles from said body in the outer position of 7 said arm; means for supplyingsaidliquid to said manifold under pressure; means for returning said armto its initial position' after it is first swung in one direction as the result of said needles being embedded in said body while the latter is moving'in saidone direction along the path andthen moved away from said path, and a conveyor for continuously-moving said permeable bodies along said predetermined path in said onedirection and at a constantrate. v

15; The: combination of claim: 13in which said means for supplying liquid to the manifold under pressure includes a control-valve with an externally extending: valve stem, andi'a linkage connected to saidmeans .foriperiodicallyl moving-said arm and'equipped with 'a member for; contacting the externally extending stem of; said valve to open-andcloseisaid:valvein synchronism with the 23 movements of said arm toward and away from said path.

16. In an apparatus for injecting pickling fluid into hog bellies or the like as they move continuously along a predetermined path, the combination comprising a frame having a platform above said path, a cylinder mounted on said platform and having a piston therein equipped with an upwardly extending rod and adapted to reciprocate downward and upward with respect to said path, two spaced arms carried by said rod and extending downwardly toward said'path, a crosshead providing a manifold and extending between the lower end portions of said arms, across said path and at a spaced distance thereabove, a plurality of injection needles spaced apart across said path and extending downwardly from said crosshead, said needles having discharge orifices and passages providing communication between said apertures and said manifold, air pressure means for reciprocating said piston in order to lower and raise said arms and thus effect embedment of said needles in a belly and subsequent withdrawal therefrom, and means for supplying said pickling fluid to said manifold under pressure, said last-mentioned means including a control valve having an externally extending valve stem, actuating elements connected to said piston stem and equipped with a member for contacting the externally extending stem of said valve in such manner as to open and close said valve in synchronism with the down and up movements of said piston.

17. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and comprising a horizontally elongated frame structure, power driven means mounted on the frame structure and operative when driven continuously to feed the bellie to be treated in series form lengthwise of the frame structure, a horizontally extending crosshead positioned over and transversely of the f ed means, provided with a longitudinal series of fixed downwardly extending spaced apart hollow needles, mounted so that it is movable first downward in order to bring the needles into penetrating relation with the subjacent belly on said feed means, then laterally for a short distance with the subjacent belly and then upwards so as to effect withdrawal of the needles from said subjacent belly, and having associated therewith pneumatically actuated means for moving it downwards and upwards in rapid succession and in addition spring means for retracting it laterally to its starting position each time the needles are withdrawn in connection with upward movement thereof, and means operative automatically each time the needles are brought into penetrating relation with the subjacent belly to force curing liquid under pressure through the needles and into said subjacent belly.

18. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies Or the like and comprising a frame structure, power driven means mounted on the frame structure and operative when driven continuously to feed the bellies to be treated one after the other in a horizontal direction, an element mounted over the feed means to move downwards and upwards, a crosshead positioned under the element, connected to said element so that it is movable downwards and upwards therewith and is also free to swing laterally relatively thereto, provided with a plurality of downwardly extending hollow needles, adapted when the element moves downwards first to bring the needles into penetrating relation with the subjacent belly on the feed means and then to swing laterally for a short distance with said subjacent belly, and further adapted when the element moves upwards to effect withdrawal of the needles from said subjacent belly, means on the frame structure for moving said element downward and upwards in rapid succession, means for retracting the crosshead laterally to its starting position each time the needles are withdrawn in connection with upward movement of the crosshead and element, and means on the frame structure operative when the needles are brought into penetrating relation with the subjacent belly to force curing liquid under pressure through the needles and into said subjacent belly.

19. An apparatus adapted to treat hog bellies or the like and comprising a horizontally elongated frame structure, power driven means mounted on the frame structure and operative when driven continuously to feed the bellies to be treated in series form lengthwise of the frame structure, a horizontal element positioned over and transversely of the feed means and mounted to move downwards and upwards, a horizontally elongated transversely extending crosshead positioned between said feed means and the element, connected to said element by an upstanding arm with a pivotal connection between its upper end and the element in order that it is movable downwards and upwards with said element and is also free to swing laterally relatively thereto, provided with a longitudinal series of fixed downwardly extending spaced apart hollow needles, adapted when the element moves downwards first to bring the needles into penetrating relation with the subjacent belly on the feed means and then to swing laterally for a short distance with said subjacent belly and further adapted when the element moves upwards to effect withdrawal of the needles from said subjacent belly, means on the frame structure for moving said element downwards and upwards in rapid succession, spring means between the element and said upper end of the arm for retracting the crosshead laterally to its startposition each time the needles are withdrawn in connection with upward movement of the crosshead and element, and means on the frame structure operative When the needles are brought into penetrating relation with a subjacent belly to force curing liquid under pressure through the needles and into said subjacent belly.

20. In an apparatus for injecting pickling fluid into hog bellies or the like, the combination comprising conveyor means for moving the bellies continuously along a predetermined substantially horizontal path, a pendulum arm pivotally supported above said path and adapted to oscillate in alignment therewith, a crosshead providing a manifold and carried by said arm at a spaced distance above said path, a plurality of laterally spaced injection needles extending downwardly from said crosshead, said needles having discharged orifices and passages providing communication between said apertures and said manifold, means for lowering and raising said arm in order to embed said needles in a subjacent bell in the lower position of said arm and to elevate said needles above said belly in the upper position of said arm, means for supplying said pickling fluid to said manifold under pressure, said last-men tioned means including a control valve cooperating with said lowering and raising means to open and close said valve in synchronism with the movements thereof, yieldable spring means for returning said arm to an initial position after it is swung by the movementof said subjacentbelly and-subsequently 'elevated' above said path, and stop means cooperating with: said yieldable spring means in maintaining said arm in a starting position for the beginning of each injection cycle.

21. The combination of'claii'n in which there is interposed between said manifold and said needles nipples providing ducts of restricted cross sectional area adapted greatly to reduce the pressure "within said needle passages from that in said manifold, whereby a substantially uniform amount-of pickling fluid can be ejected from each needle into said subjacent belly independently of the varying texture of the belly.

22. In an apparatus for injecting pickling fluid into hog bellies or the like as they move continuously in one direction along a predetermined path, the combination comprising a pendulum arm pivotally supported above said path and adapted to oscillate in alignment therewith, a crosshead providing a manifold and carried by said arm at a spaced distance-above said path, a

plurality of laterally spaced injection needles 7 extending downwardly from said crosshead, said needles having discharge orifices and passages provid ng communication between said orifices and said manifold, nipples interposed between said manifold and said needles providing ducts of restricted cross sectional area adapted greatly to reduce the pressure within said needle passages from thatin said manifold, means for supplying said pickling fluid to said manifold under high pressure, and means for returning said arm to an initial position after it is swung in said one direction by a belly during an injection operation and subsequently elevated thereabove.

23. In an apparatus for injecting pickling fluid into hog bellies or the like as they move continuously along a predetermined path, the combination comprising a frame having a platform above said path, a cylinder mounted on said platform and having a piston therein equipped with an upwardly extending rod and adapted toreciprocate toward and away from said path, two spaced pendulum arms pivotally carried by said rod and extending downwardly toward said ath, said arms being adapted to oscillate in alignment with said path, a crosshead providing a manifold and extending between the lower end portions of said arms, across said path and at a spaced distance thereabove, a plurality of injection needles spaced apart across said path and extending downwardly from said crosshead, said needles having discharge orifices and passages providing communication between said orifices and said manifold, air pressure means for reciprocating said piston in order to lower and raise said arms and thus cause embedment of said needles in a belly in the lower position of said piston and elevation. of said needles above the belly in the upper position of said piston, means for supplying said pickling fluid to said manifold under pressure, said last-mentioned means including a control valve with an externally extending valve stem, actuating elements connected to said piston stem and equipped with a member for contacting the externally extending stem of said valve to open and close said valve in synchronism with the down and up movements of said piston, and means for returning said arms to their initial position after they are swung in said one direction by a belly during an injection operation and subsequently raised thereabove. v

24. The combination of claim 23 in which nipples are interposed between said needle passages 'and saidamanifold,;said nipples having ductsof F25. The 'combination'of claim 23 together with means'for socontrolling the reciprocation of said piston-as toproduce a uniform number of recip- "rocatio'nsrperi minute while permitting the time aintervalxto be varied during which said piston-is in its'downwardmost position, whereby the quantity: ofrpicklingfluid injected into the belly during eachinjectioncyclev can be controlled by varying the period of dwell of said needles in said belly. 26. A;'structure:for use in injectin pickling fillldyl'lfltO hog bellies or'the like, comprising an elongated 'head member providing a manifold therein, a plurality of longitudinally spaced inj ection need'les extending in one direction from said head member, saidneedles having discharge orifices and passages providing communication between said orifices and said manifold, nipples interposed between said needle passages and said manifold and providing ducts therein of such restricted cross sectional area that they are adapted greatly to reduce the pressure within said needle passages from that in said manifold, means for supplying said pickling fluid to said manifold under pressure, and mean connected to the head member for exerting force on said head member to embed and withdraw said needles with respect to the hog bellies.

27. A structure for use in injecting pickling fluid into hog bellies or the like, comprising a movable head member providing a manifold therein, a plurality of spaced injection needles carried by said head member and extending, in the same direction therefrom, said needles havingdischarge orifices and passages providing communication between said orifices and said manifold, flow restricting means interposed between said needle passages and said manifold adapted substantially to reduce the pressure within said needle passages from that in said manifold, and means for supplying pickling fluid to said manifold under pressure, whereby a substantially uniform amount of pickling fluid can be injected from each of said needles into a belly independently of the varying texture of the belly.

28. A structure for use in injecting pickling fluid into hog bellies or the like, comprising a support member, a plurality of spaced injection needles carried by said support member and extending in the same direction therefrom, said needles having discharge orifices and passages therein communicating with said orifices, conduit meansincluding a manifold for supplying pickling 29. In an apparatus for injecting a liquid into pierc'eable, permeable bodies, the combination comprising conveyor means for moving the bodies continuously and in one direction along a predetermined path, a pendulum arm pivotally supported at a spaced distance from said path and 

